As the NFL season winds down, FantasyPros will be taking a look at early NFL draft scouting reports before the combine in March. Here’s a look at Cameron Latu.
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2023 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Cameron Latu (TE – Alabama)
Cameron Latu (TE – Alabama)
6’4″ – 248 lbs.
Background
Played sparingly in his first two seasons at Alabama, totaling 102 snaps over the 2019 and 2020 seasons, before taking over a starting job as a junior and catching 26-410-8 (15.8) in what would be his most productive season. Followed that up with a 30-377-4 (12.6) line this past year.
Positives
Two-year starter for a major program with a pro-style offense. Took about half of his snaps as an inline tight end but would also frequently line up as a flex/H-Back, in the slot, or even split out wide. Able to motion across the formation and crack backside pursuers in the run game, which also creates later opportunities for releases into the flats off of similar looks. Engages from a wide base with adequate knee-bend and good extension, can hear the pads click when he makes contact and shows above-average functional strength for a player with his frame. Flashes the ability to generate movement against some smaller edge defenders when he gets his feet going. Able to deal with physicality when releasing at the line. Smooth athlete whose routes often took him further downfield than a safety valve, whether down the seams or across the formation and shows good speed to put stress on opposing linebackers. Has some snap and explosiveness to create separation at the stem of his shorter routes. Looks comfortable catching the ball away from his frame. Also capable of executing picks with sufficient subtlety to avoid flags.
Negatives
Size is just adequate for an inline role. Would like to see him be more active with his feet when blocking, as he can get disengaged or end up bending at the waist to try and stay connected. Occasionally settles down into coverage rather than improvising to create windows for his quarterback. Dropped seven passes against 56 catches the past two seasons, so hands are closer to average. Wasn’t retained too frequently in pass protection (just 10.8% of career snaps), and occasionally gets flat-footed.
Summary
Something of a jack-of-all-trades who is bigger than a typical flex tight end but a little bit smaller than a traditional inline “Y.” Able to line up all over the field, executing different blocking assignments with physicality and above-average functional strength and possessing enough athleticism to threaten defenses down the seams in addition to the traditional underneath routes. Will probably end up coming off the board in the mid-rounds as a versatile option with experience in a pro-style offense.
Projection: Round 5
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